Report: Gambling in Maine rose nearly 67 percent in 2012

More gamblers are hitting the slots and blackjack tables in the U.S., giving the industry a 4.8 percent boost in 2012, its biggest since the recession.

Consumer spending at casinos grew to $37.3 billion, slightly below the industry’s 2007 record high at $37.5 billion, according to a report released Monday from the American Gaming Association.

The boost is due to an improving economy and increased consumer spending, the trade group said. Revenues are also up because of the opening of new casinos in markets such as New York City, Kansas and Ohio.

However the rise in new casinos in the mid-Atlantic region contributed to decreased revenues in Delaware and New Jersey.

“After three years of increasing growth and positive signs in all sectors of the industry, it’s clear that we have weathered the recession,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of AGA, in a statement.

“Whether we look at jobs, casino visitors served or tax revenues being provided, the bottom line is that there is much to be optimistic about in the commercial casino industry.”

Fifteen of the 22 states that had commercial casinos in 2011 saw increases. Kansas saw the largest boost at 603.7 percent, followed by Maryland and Maine with 142.6 percent and 66.9 percent surges, respectively.

This was driven by the opening of new casinos or casinos that had their first full year of operations, according to AGA.

In 2012 the Garden State saw the largest drop in profits, down 8 percent in gross gaming, as it dealt with days of casino closings and reduced tourism following Hurricane Sandy.